002: Turning Your Pain Into Purpose with Lorna Walker

It’s so hard to know what to expect as a parent, and even harder when your child has medical issues that were never on your radar.

Today, we have the courageous Lorna Walker joining us on our very first interview of the podcast, to talk all about how to maneuver the stress, depression, fear, and setbacks that come with having a critically sick kid. Lorna is a blogger of Walk This Way, and author of Trach Free for P: How One Little Boy's Life was Spared to Impact Countless Others.

In our discussion, she reveals the trials and tribulations of having her twin boys in the NICU, the gripping fear of one of her children code on an operating table, and the overwhelming challenges associated with a son who had to undergo a tracheostomy.

Lorna teaches us about the gift of perspective; being able to see the great things that may not feel so great in the moment, and how to find the silver lining in the midst of despair.

She is heart wrenchingly honest with the shame she experienced surrounding IVF treatment, her fears of the unknown, and using medication to treat her depression.

Join us for this amazing discussion and hear to how one little boy's life impacted countless others.

Key Takeaways with Lorna Walker

• Lorna talks about her IVF experience and how it mentally prepared her for a tough road ahead.
• The medical incident that led to her son coding on the operating table, requiring an unexpected tracheostomy.
• Giving yourself permission to take a mental break—even during times when it feels like your family needs you the most.
• Dealing with the shame and stigma that comes from an IVF pregnancy.
• Appreciating the expected and unexpected angels that show up during life’s darkest moments—and how Lorna connected with a family going through similar struggles.
• Understanding why the people who are closest to you prior to a tragedy or life-changing event may not be there for you when you need it—and that’s ok.
• Lorna shares the experience that revealed God’s plan and why her faith was vital to her survival.
• The #1 resource Lorna recommends to Mom’s going through tough times.
• Pay attention to when God shows up and know that he’s got your back!
• The importance of taking care of your physical and emotional well-being—and why medication was critical to Lorna’s happiness. What does your personal self-care look like?
• The therapeutic writing experience that allowed Lorna to find more joy in the journey!
• How do you navigate knowing your child will be going through pain, while needing to live in the moment?
• The gift of perspective and being grateful for how fortunate you truly are.
• Why service to others is a doorway to joy.

Show Notes:

Get Full Access to the Show Notes by Visiting: MatteasJoy.org/lorna-walker

If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Joy In The Journey, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device.

You can also help by providing an honest rating & review over on Apple Podcasts. Reviews go a long way in helping us build awareness so that we can impact even more people. THANK YOU!